June 15, 2015

Hey Family 

So this week was pretty interesting.  We for sure had some crazy things go down, but we are doing pretty well as a companionship and we have a ton of potential as far as baptisms in the future go.  We are currently preparing a family (not Adolfo's -- more on that below) for baptism on the 11th of July, so that should be really cool. They are super stoked to be baptized.  It's so interesting, it's crazy how much of a change going through the Temple has made on our Branch President.  Ever since his family was sealed in the Temple, he is so excited about spreading the  gospel and has given us a ton of references for people who are really ready for baptism!

But yeah, this week we prepped for our "Noche de Rama" activity (evening branch activity), and it was super cool. At the activity, we talked about love.  It was super good, and I feel like the branch members are finally starting to understand that they need to love other people, especially the church members.  We explained to them they need to have love for everyone because, truthfully, they are a family (a branch family) and God has commanded them to love one another.  We explained that it is really important that they love one another and that they have a bond with each other so they can help and encourage each other. 

So are far as the week goes, on Monday evening we went to Abundancia and didn't get in until 3 in the morning.  Tuesday was district meeting, and I was able to get all of the branch finances handled so that was good.  Then we hitch hiked home and got back to Neuland around 6:00 p.m. 

When we got back to Neuland, we went to visit Adolfo and his family.  Adolfo talked to us about how much he has grown and how much he wants to be baptized to be forgiven of his sins.  He said he wants to change, just like he has seen our Branch President and his cousin change.  Apparently our Branch President was a pretty gnarly guy before he got baptized.  According to some branch members, our Branch President drank a lot and had a bunch of different girlfriends and smoked a lot, but when he accepted the Gospel and decided to get baptized, he changed completely!  It's super cool to see what has happened because he is such an example to a lot of people.  It really is amazing how much things can change through the example of just one person. 

Anyway in talking to Adolfo, and without going in to detail, we realized that he is so prepared for baptism and is super "golden".  As Adolfo opened up to us he told us of an issue from his past, and told us that through prayer he feels like the Lord has forgiven him, and he can't wait to be baptized to be really forgiven.  After talking with him, we explained that because of the issue, unfortunately, his baptism is not going to happen next week like we had planned.  We explained that there is a formality that has to be taken care of before he is baptized, but we will continue to work with him until he is actually able to enter the water! 

An exciting thing, this week I hit 18 months in the mission field.  In some aspects I still feel like I have a ton of time left, but at the same time I feel like it is going to go by so super quickly.  I remember when Elder Frost went home and Elder Luke only had six months left and he was telling Elder Luke that his last six months would go so quickly and be done in "no time."  And now, when I talk to Elder Luke, who goes home this coming transfer, he is telling me the same thing.  I seriously have learned so much from the people of Paraguay, and I know that I still have things left to learn from them.  I also know that I have a lot of work still to do, and I am super stoked to do it! :) 

We are going to Asuncion this week because a General Authority is visiting our mission, so that will be cool!

Well, I love y'all so much and I am thankful for all of the support that I have received from you.  Y'all are so amazing and I know for certain that if we do the right things, and live the right way, that we can be together forever as a family! ;) 

Love 

Elder Turley 

1.  Who are your investigators

Adolfo and Daisy

Adriano and his wife

2.  What was your church attendance this week?

We had 27 people at church, our attendance number went up -- even in the rain!

3.  Did you make it to Paraiso?

No, it has been rainy here and when it rains, the roads are pretty much inpassable.

4.  What was your most spiritual experience this week?

The lesson we had with Adolfo when he opened up and shared his past with us, and bore his testimony to us!

5.  What was your funniest experience this week?

Playing basketball in Asuncion.

6.  What was your hardest experience this week?

That we had to delay Adolfo's baptism. 

7.  Did you get the computer?

Not yet

8.  Who is your favorite person this week and why?

Elder Luke -- he is just an AMAZING Elder

9.  Do you have any crazy Chaco stories this week?

No, not really. Haha.

10.  What can we pray about for you?

That I can be inspired to now who to talk to and when.

Working hard in the Chaco

Jonathan loves animals ... especially Dogs!

 It's fun to see this hard working Elder, have some fun too!!!